CNN
 — 

Sen. Bob Menendez declined to say whether or not he’ll resign ought to his forthcoming federal corruption trial lead to a conviction.

The New Jersey Democrat instructed CNN’s Manu Raju on Capitol Hill final week, “I’m wanting ahead to proving my innocence,” when requested repeatedly whether or not he would resign within the face of a possible conviction.

Menendez’s trial is anticipated to start with jury choice on Monday. He’s going through bribery prices for allegedly taking steps to learn the governments of Egypt and Qatar and assist a number of New Jersey businessmen whereas receiving in change gold bars, money, a luxurious automobile and System One Grand Prix race tickets.

He has forcefully denied the fees towards him and has stated that he’ll show his innocence whereas claiming that he’s being persecuted by prosecutors.

Menendez will face a jury alongside two New Jersey businessmen who’re co-defendants. His spouse, Nadine, additionally has been charged however might be tried individually.

The trial is scheduled to final a number of weeks, as prosecutors attempt to show that Menendez and the businessmen, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, engaged in a wide-ranging corruption scheme to assist the Egyptian and Qatari governments in change for profitable bribes.

Prosecutors, for his or her half, might be allowed to point out the jury proof that Menendez and his spouse allegedly used the cash from their scheme to stay lavishly.

Although Menendez stepped down as chairman of the Senate International Relations Committee final 12 months, he has rejected calls to resign from his Senate seat.

Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, the primary Democratic senator to name for Menendez to resign, echoed his earlier statements about Menendez final week, calling the New Jersey Democrat a “sleazeball.”

“He gained’t be round for much longer. That will be my guess,” Fetterman stated.

Whereas Menendez didn’t file for reelection within the Democratic main for his seat, he left open the likelihood that he might run as an unbiased candidate in a video posted in March.